A photo exhibit sponsored by Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa opened on the Big island on Friday at the East Hawaii Cultural Center with a blessing and welcome. The free exhibit will run through Dec. 28 at 141 Kalakaua St. in downtown Hilo.

The exhibit titled Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa: E Ho’ohanohano a E Ho’omau features 100 historical and contemporary photos of the residents of Kalaupapa and their family members along with scenes from Kalaupapa. The contemporary photos were taken by acclaimed Hawaii photographer Wayne Levin, a longtime Kona resident, who began his work at Kalaupapa in 1984. The historical photographs are from various sources.

A panel discussion featuring descendants of those sent to Kalaupapa with ties to the Big Island was held Saturday, also at the East Hawaii Cultural Center.

The exhibit will be open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 961-5711 for more information. The exhibit will move to Oahu in March.

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and remembering the estimated 8,000 individuals who were sent to Kalaupapa because of government polices regarding leprosy (also known as Hansen’s disease). For more information, visit www.kalaupapaohana.org or call coordinator Valerie Monson at 808-573-2746.